308 JUNE 20 – Gryffe Advertizer - updated

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ONLINE CONSULTATIONS POSSIBLE - please call for details
Microchip Details
Its always worthwhile to take a minute to check your pet’s details
so your furry friend can always be returned safely should they
wander away..
If you have changed any of your contact details such as your phone
number or you have moved house, don’t forget to update your pets
microchip details.
It could be what helps reunite you with them if they are lost or
stolen.
June 2020
separation anxiety
Dogs Trust is issuing advice to dog owners following concerns
over a ticking time bomb of separation anxiety among dogs post
lockdown when families return to their normal routine.
If your dog is used to being left alone, then try to make sure you
continue to leave them for periods during the day, so they don’t
‘lose’ the ability to cope. For puppies and dogs that are anxious
when left, use the following tips to help them cope alone:
• Make sure your dog has a comfy bed or den, where they can relax
in peace.
• Give them something fun to occupy them, such as a long-lasting
treat or puzzle toy.
• While your dog is enjoying their treat, take a couple of steps to
the other side of the room. If your dog stays where they are, wait
a moment, then go back and reward them with an extra treat.
• Increase the distance you move away and the time you wait
before returning with the extra treat.
You should soon be able to leave the room and close the door or
gate. Progress to spending more time in a different room. Build this
into the daily routine.
It’s important that your dog remains relaxed. If they show signs of
distress, leave them for a shorter period, or don’t move as far away,
next time.
Rachel Casey, Director of Canine Behaviour and Research at Dogs
Trust, said: “While it has been great to spend so much time with our
dogs during lockdown, all this
extra attention could potentially
create a ticking time bomb of
separation anxiety for our dogs.
If they expect us to be about all
the time, it will be more difficult
for them to cope once we go
back to our normal lives and
aren’t in the house 24/7.
“Now is the time to act to avoid
future problems. Just make sure
that you factor in time apart from
your dog each day to help them
be able to cope when alone – this
could be separated from you by
a door or child gate for an hour
or two whilst you’re working
or home schooling the kids. By
organizing your dog’s day, with
time apart, play times, exercise,
other activity sessions (like
giving them a food filled toy)
and quiet times, you can make
sure that your dog maintains
their ability to cope with the
different aspects of ‘normal’ life
when we get back to it.”
We are on a reduced staff due
to the current restrictions.
We are open our normal
hours: Mon-Thurs 9am-6pm,
Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-12pm,
and able to offer remote
consulting or contact free
visits to the practice.
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